NUMBER 150
2019 ISSUE
OSA Review T H E O L D S O U T H P O RT O N I A N S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N
PAST PRESIDENTS Mr R H Nimmo Mr L A Delpratt Mr C E Cook Mr F R North Mr R S Billington Mr R J McWilliam Mr G E Johnson Mr N V Henderson Mr G E Johnson Mr E C Fernandez Mr G E Johnson Mr R J McWilliam Mr G E Johnson Mr C S Roberts Mr W W Pike Mr T G G Lahey Mr C L H Monteath Mr A R Tritton Mr D J McWhirter
1919-20 1920-21 1921-22 1922-23 1923-24 1924-25 1925-26 1926-27 1927-28 1928-29 1929-30 1930-31 1931-32 1932-33 1933-36 1936-38 1938-39 1939-40 1940-41
OSA COUNCIL 2019: President: Christopher Johnstone (Dix 79-82, Bid 89-90) Hon. Secretary: Scott Parry (MCK 86-90) Hon. Treasurer: Peter Waller (Wal 82-87) Patron: Jake MacRonald (Tho 49-57) Hon. Editor – Review: Duncan Young (BID 90) Membership Development: Scott Andrews (Wal 94-98) Marketing and Public Relations: Peter Lockhart (Tho 62-65) Bursary Chairman: Peter Waller (Wal 82-87)
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Mr J O Yates Mr C M C Bere Mr C A Burcher Mr T M Foggitt Mr I M B Cribb Mr R A Clarke Mr J C H Gill Mr I M Grant Mr I A H Perry Mr E D L Anning Mr A R Charity Mr J F Overall Mr R Newton Mr F G Vidgen Mr R C Overell Mr A H Kaiser Mr H E Tweedale Mr J R Walker Mr D J M Murphy
1941-42 1942-43 1943-45 1945-47 1947-49 1949-51 1951-53 1953-55 1955-57 1957-60 1960-62 1962-64 1964-66 1966-68 1968-70 1970-72 1972-73 1974-76 1976-78
Elected Council Members: Vaughan Oxenford (Mel 80-84) Duncan Young (Bid 90) Hilton Pohl (Wal 95-99) Michael Bond (MCK 94-99) Scott Andrews (Wal 94-98) Old Boys on School Council: F.D. Perrin (Rad 78-84) M.M.A. Blumenstein (Mau 88-92) G.C. Rix (Wal 72-77) A.K Twemlow (Mit 85) N.I. Quartermaine (MCK 96-99) N.C. Sharpe (Tur 88-95) School Archivist: Debbie Turner
Mr C Newton 1978-79, 1998-99 Mr D R M Murphy 1979-81, 1999-2001 Mr P J Overell 1981-83 Mr M W Broomhead 1983-84 Mr P M Rouse 1985-86 Mr J B Anning 1986-87 Mr W J R Chandler 1988-89 Mr H J Kennett 1990-91 Mr G E Davidson 1992-93 Mr M A Searle 1994-95 Dr J R Wicks 1996-97 Mr M A Wilkinson 2001-2002 Mr G P R Friend OAM 2002-05 Mr P R Cross 2006 Mr J T Carter 2007-08 Mr V B Wright 2009-10 Mr P C Wood 2011-12 Mr P E Lockhart 2013-14 Mr N I Quartermaine 2015-16
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE: LAYOUT & DESIGN: CSQD COVER: 150 Editions OSA Review OSA OFFICE: OSA Co-ordinator Ms Amy McDougall: The Southport School, Winchester Street, Southport QLD 4215. Tel: 07 5531 9803 Fax: 07 5591 2124 Email: osa@tss.qld.edu.au Website: www.tssoldboys.com.au
Contents FROM THE PRESIDENT
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FROM THE EDITOR
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Anzac Day 2019
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FROM THE DEPUTY HEADMASTER AND HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
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OSA NEWS
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EVENTS Annand Theatre 2020 Building a Community
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TSS Foundation Golf Day and McWhirter Cup Day
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Generations Cocktail Reception 2019
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Older Old Boys’ Assembly and Lunch
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Reunion Dinner Year of the Nines
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BRANCH NEWS
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SCHOOL NEWS TSS Launches SIP Week with Perry Cross
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2019 NAPLAN Success 31 SPORT NEWS Prep Sports
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Rowing 34 Basketball 35 Sailing 36 Swimming 38 Rugby 39 Football 40 Cricket 41 Tennis 43 PHILANTHROPY 45 MY STORY
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ARCHIVES 48 WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS
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BIRTHS & BAPTISMS
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OBITUARIES 54
Reporting child sexual abuse and seeking help Child abuse is a crime. If you have been a victim of abuse, or are currently concerned about a child being abused, you can report your concerns to the local police, or to the Headmaster (for TSS related incidents), or the Anglican Diocese Director of Professional Standards who is responsible for responding to any complaints of abuse within schools, parishes and agencies of the Diocese. Director of Professional Standards – Ph: 07 3835 2266 Email: dops@anglicanbrisbane.org.au
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F ROM T H E P R E S I DE N T
CHRISTOPHER JOHNSTONE PRESIDENT (DIX 79-82, BID 89-90)
As I write this, I am sitting at Camp Baird which is the Headquarters for Joint Task Force 633 supporting Australia’s contribution to the defence of the Middle East Region.
The various missions conducted from these headquarters have purposes including the destruction of Daesh in Iraq and Syria, the maintenance of the principle of freedom of navigation and of a rules-based global order.
R
ules are important. They enable a civilised society not just to function, but to exist. They protect us and those we care about, they enable trade and commerce to occur, and, when they are adhered to, they promote a sense of community. This little Australian community of ADF members in the Middle East, as you would expect, has more than a few rules. But when I think about, there is not a great deal of difference between the rules here and those which we had at TSS. There are rules about when we eat, what we can wear, how we address superiors and what the expectations of us are when we step outside our walls. There are rules to maintain discipline, rules to maintain morale and of course, rules for our safety. None of this is unfamiliar to a TSS boy of yesteryear or today (except perhaps a few about weapons and security, but I digress). One of the conversations I tend to have often with Old Boys, particularly those who boarded in the 1950’s and 1960’s centres on how bad things were for them; which invariably causes me to ask well why do they turn up at OSA events. The answer which generally comes back is that TSS made them the person they are today. I think that answer really, in no small part, reflects the benefits of growing up and learning within a rules-based community with like-minded individuals at TSS. I also think that for that reason it is no coincidence that I find myself running into TSS boys so often in the ADF. Service, and a desire to uphold rules is in our blood. The TSS Cadet Unit has plenty to do with that too. I recall my brother when I was in grade 1 and he in grade 3 at TSS seeing the unit marching through Dixon Gate and declaring he would join the Army. 40 years later we will cross over by two days as I leave theatre and he arrives. The future of Cadets has been a hot topic amongst Old Boys and the School this year. Some Old Boys,
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rightly, have expressed their dismay at what they had understood to be proposals to end the Cadets. This was nothing more than a rumour, and like most rumours, it was false. We at the OSA have the benefit of regular meetings with the Headmaster and Deputy Headmaster. Each has assured us throughout the year that there are no such plans. And just recently we welcomed the announcement of the appointment of WO1 Jason Sten CSM as the new director of Cadets. The point is that the OSA is your organisation. We are here for you and every one of you should feel free to contact me if you have concerns. Better still, come to a meeting and speak up. Otherwise, the year has been an excellent one for fellowship and the OSA network. The highlight of course was Old Boys weekend, which I managed to enjoy to a limited extent via the live streaming of the First XV match on YouTube. I am grateful to Secretary Scott Parry for stepping in to ensure the smooth running of the weekend along with Amy McDougall’s excellent planning. This year we had 74 Older Old Boys at the Assembly though sadly we only had Alan Radcliffe DFC, our hitherto oldest old boy in spirit. He embodied all that is good about TSS. He was and will continue to be sorely missed. The TSS Foundation Golf Day and McWhirter Cup was again oversubscribed and the new format of dinner at Royal Pines Resort saw 198 in attendance. This new format also has caused some concern but the reality is times must change. We are now in the happy situation where, even where year groups are split, there are too many to fit into the School Dining Hall, and given that for at least the past 40 years there are more Old Boys who were day boys than boarders, the Dining Hall just does not have the same attraction. Some fantastic branch events were held this year – two each in Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne as well as the enigmatic Beagle Boys lunches who continue their get-togethers on a regular basis. The OSA is pleased to support these events. I was also fortunate enough to attend yet another brilliant Mulgowie Muster organised
OSA PRESIDENT SQNLDR CHRISTOPHER JOHNSTONE (DIX 79-92, BID 89-90) TAKING OVER FROM MAJOR SEAN FLYNN (KAI 85-97) AS COMMAND LEGAL OFFICER AT HQJTF633 BEING THE HEADQUARTERS FOR AUSTRALIA’S CONTRIBUTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST REGION.
by our new Honorary Associate Member, Annelise Kemp and her husband Sandy (THO 63) and MC Gary Ferguson (MCK 61). Every year the Kemps threaten that this will be their last, but I remain unconvinced. Which brings me to the future. We are in the early stages of planning what I hope will be the most valuable contribution we as the OSA have ever made to the School. The School has asked us whether we can fund a new building comprising a stand and general purpose function area at the end of the northern end of the Village Green to be named in our honour. We are working closely with the Deputy Head and the Director of Philanthropy about this but it is hoped that this building can become the meeting place for all the OSA in the future, as well as being a vital resource for the School for years to come.
These plans will be updated after this magazine goes to print and I will contact you all through the digital newsletter about them. Finally, again I wish to thank Amy McDougall for her valuable assistance she has provided to me this year, and also to thank all of the OSA Council, particularly Peter Waller and the finance committee he chairs, Scott Parry as secretary, Michael Bond, Vaughan Oxenford and Scott Andrews and all those OSA members who continue to challenge me and the Council; always, I might add, with the best intentions in mind, and in the spirit of friendship. Which, after all, is what it is all about. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all.
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F ROM T H E E DI TOR
DUNCAN YOUNG EDITOR (BID 88-90)
Welcome to this, the 150th edition of the OSA Review. What a delightful milestone to reach.
Despite the digital age, costs of production and post, I have lost track of how many people have told me how much they look forward to the arrival of this little publication in the mail each year, and how, after reading it cover to cover, it takes pride of place on the shelf, to be glanced at from time to time.
L
ast year, the editorial commenced by noting “another year, another prime minister”. Well, curiously, the tide has turned, and the same Prime Minister is in office. Things certainly have changed. We continue to do our best to fill the pages with the news and photographs which you want to see and read, and we at the OSA value the efforts of our network, more often than not being the mothers, wives and sisters of Old Boys who take the time to send us snippets of information which we can reproduce and for which we are eternally grateful. As we are too for the wonderful
work of Debbie Turner, the school archivist, who maintains that vital link between the past and present. The constant in your lives which is this publication contrasts, I think, with the ferocious change which happens all around us. As I contemplate these words, Turkey has just invaded Syria, we in Australia have committed to join the International Maritime Security Construct to prevent Iran disrupting trade in the Arabian Gulf, in Europe they are asking “to Brexit or not to Brexit”, there is no certainty that the current British Prime Minster will survive, and the United States is gearing up for another presidential campaign. So of course, there is nothing more certain than uncertainty, but with that in mind, I hope you can take the time to enjoy what is on offer within, and that you can take the time to reflect on your contribution to the great institution that is TSS and the history that some have managed to capture in 150 editions of this, your OSA Review.
CHRIS NEWTON, PETER LOCKHART, MURRAY WILKINSON & GEORGE FRIEND. (PAST PRESIDENTS' DINNER 2019)
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Anzac Day 2019
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F ROM T H E DE P U T Y H E A DM A ST E R
Maughan House Supper The Reverend Canon Bruce Maughan reminded me at the Maughan House Supper that he has been to 30 Maughan House Suppers and, this year, attended his 51st Supper for Delpratt House.
MR ANDREW HAWKINS (MCK 92-95)
particularly enjoyed Melbourne Housemaster, Mr Ken Connors, address this year. I have added an excerpt as there is a little bit for everybody with what he had to say:
The changes Canon Maughan has witnessed over those years must be significant. Canon Bruce Maughan also reminded me of the uniqueness of TSS where the first thing you are asked as an Old Boy isn’t what year you graduated, but “what House were you in?”
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ince 1909 our House Suppers have formed an integral part of the reason you are asked what House you were in, and not what year you graduated as an Old Boy. They are the showcase of the year for all boys in the House. While all House Suppers have their differences, fundamentally they mark the end of your senior school journey and the relationships you have formed and the experiences you have had during that time. House Supper programs differ to some degree but each Housemaster will deliver a report on the year at some stage throughout the evening. I
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As a Housemaster and a father of two young boys that attend TSS, I am continually asking myself a series of questions: what sort of boy would we want passing through the school gates on their final day of year 12? What sorts of qualities would we want to see in a young man that has had so much education, time and money invested in them to say, “that it was all worth it”. Sure they have had experiences during their time at TSS that many have not, but have they learnt the traits and qualities required to be good men, not only to cope with an uncertain and ever changing world, but to be examples of what a well-rounded young man can be. I think the answer to that can be seen in the young men before us. We are continually bombarded in the media with examples of toxic masculinity, but the examples of modern day masculinity or positive masculinity are often more subtle. Steve Biddulph, a psychologist that has worked with boys and their families for over 30 years and author of the book “The new manhood” (a very good read for all the fathers out there) explains that a good man should have two things, backbone and heart. Backbone is the ability to stand firm, endure, be true to his word, and sometimes put himself last. A man with backbone is someone you can count on. Heart refers to men who can demonstrate emotion, compassion and empathy. It doesn’t mean crying at the drop of a hat but it means men that can listen, men who are not afraid to show affection and nurture those around him.
The final ingredient to bring those together however is experience, we learn from experience and must be open to it. We learn from good men around us. We can learn just as much from the women in our lives but we are biologically wired to learn from our same sex, so for a boy to become patient, he has to see patience. To be kind and generous he has to see that, lived out in someone who could be an older version of himself. So to the valedictorians, your parents have put you in a situation where you have been surrounded by
good men, you know what a good man looks like, whether it be coaches, staff, peers and boys that have graduated before you. Your fathers and your families. You’ve seen how they conduct themselves, you’ve seen how they treat other people and by now you may have even identified some of their shortcomings, no one is perfect. Make sure you refer back to some of those examples when you need to and you continue to listen and learn, for the more you know, the better employees, bosses, partners and fathers you will be. The world needs more good men.
An excerpt from Deb Turner in the TSS Archives from the history of our House Suppers reads below: House Suppers first began in 1909 when Arthur Charles Thorold decided that since there was quite a few trophies and medals donated to the School, they needed a special night to present them to the boys. He suggested a feast night, which was well received by the boys!
Another meeting was convened before the end of the school year to discuss the success/ failure of the House Supper. The conclusion was that:
It was elected that there be a “special” annual “supper” to represent this occasion and was to be held around October when there was a lull in sporting competitions and thus the first House Supper was born.
2) The food was hard to serve out and keep warm for that many people
The first one in the Dining Hall on the Nerang River was held on 20 October 1909 and the boys got ice- cream for dessert, which was the highlight of the night.
1) It was an overall success but it had gone on too long and the boys were too late to bed
3) The room was a bit cramped with tables and chairs. An idea of separating the House Suppers into each individual House with different dates in October was decided. That way it would not go on too long, have less to accommodate in the Dining Hall and the food would stay hot!
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OSA NEWS
Old Boys making waves
Dr Mohit Tolani (ATK06) Dr Mohit Tolani (ATK06) was recipient of Griffith University’s 2017 Outstanding Young Alumnus and the 2018 University of Sydney’s Young Alumni Award winner. In December 2018 he was also the national winner of the Pride of Australia medal awards and also the NSW state winner for the same. Dr Tolani says “I am very grateful to TSS for the support and acknowledgement it provided me during high school. This is not only bolstered by the spirit of the work I do but at the same time, also enhanced the coverage of the outcomes of the community initiatives that I am part of. Personally, I believe that TSS does deserve this acknowledgement as well, as I was a part of it and started my work whilst at the School”.
Professor Peter Cooke AM PhD (THO70) Congratulations to Professor Peter Cooke AM PhD (THO70). At the recent Carnegie Mellon Annual Drama Awards ceremony, the Provost announced that Peter Cooke AM PhD, formerly Deputy Director of NIDA and now Head of the School of Drama, Carnegie Mellon University, PA, has been elevated to the rank of University Professor. This is the highest rank bestowed by the American University within the tenured professorial community. Awarded an OAM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2008, Peter was awarded an AM in the Australia Day Honours list in 2017, Peter, pictured in his doctoral robes, becomes the first Head of the School in Drama in 104 years to be appointed. 10
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Sebastian Davies (WAL06) Sebastian Davies (WAL06) has developed an app he calls the ‘Uber of learning’. Smartr connects students with prospective tutors in real time and allows subjects to track and rate their tutors. It seeks to identify tutors and students and filters subjects based on location, price, profile and availability, using similar technology to Uber. Sebastian says “I’m really excited for Smartr to reach the students of the Gold Coast, to give them more opportunities to gain flexible employment while also giving them further study options outside of schools and universities.” Smartr is now available as a free download on iTunes.
Gerard Murtagh (TUR01) Gerard Murtagh (TUR01) founded MouldMen back in 2011 while living in Brisbane. The company now employs 25 staff who work in the company’s head office in Molendinar and they are on track to record a 60% growth this financial year with more than $2.5 million in revenue. Gerard plans to expand nationally with a Sydney office opening midway through next year with their strategic plan taking them to having over 500 staff nationwide.
Jim Chapman (THO17) 2017 School Captain and current Bond University business and commerce student, Jim Chapman (THO17), launched The Nice Coffee Co early this year with all profits going to St John’s Primary School in the Kibera slum in Nairobi. The company uses ethically sourced Kenyan coffee to supply beans-and-machine packages to offices and companies that want to have a positive social impact. Jim initially hopes to renovate every classroom in the school of 450 students, which suffers from leaking roofs and poor lighting. In July, The Nice Coffee Co was an entrant in the Duke of York’s Pitch@Palace Australia and won the People’s Choice Award.
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Jason Doerr (RAD93) & Tim Douglas (THO93) Friends since Year 4, Jason Doerr (RAD93) and Tim Douglas (THO93) created Australasian Group in 2010, a company that now has 60 employees. Their Australasian Group incorporates Australasian Homes, Australasian Builders and Valcon Homes, between them building volume housing in large developments, retail housing for families and first home buyers and commercial jobs for aged care facilities, retirement
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villages, small land subdivisions and multi-unit residential projects. Jason and Tim are keen to give back to local charities, supporting fellow Old Boy, Perry Cross’ (MAU92) Perry Cross Foundation, Men of Business organisation and sponsoring the Magic United girls’ Soccer Club and Gold Coast United Soccer Club. Jason and Tim credit their friendship as vital to their success and allowing each other to play to their strengths – Jason being the builder by trade and Tim more focused on sales.
Greg Honeyman (MCK66)
Michael Neser (RAD07)
Greg Honeyman (MCK66) is a Strata Specialist now working for Owners Corporation Management in Ballarat. Greg became the only 60-something who has won Industry wide awards Innovator Award and Rising Star Award. “Just goes to show, you’re never too old to try something new”, says Greg. “One lesson I learnt in my years at TSS is that the only thing to fear is fear itself.”
First grade cricket player, Michael Neser (RAD07), has earnt himself a senior spot following impressive form in limited overseas appearances and signalled his arrival as a legitimate first-grade player with a daring 75 that was central to Gold Coast’s thrilling victorious run chase against Norths at Kerrydale in October. Neser is currently in his second year at Griffith University.
Jock Campbell (BID13) Solomon Budinger (MAU17) Congratulations to former First XI captain, Solomon Budinger (MAU17), who in October, signed a twoyear deal with English county side Nottinghamshire after impressing in the recently completed second XI Twenty20 competition.
Jack O’Reilly (SUR05) Old Boys Jack O’Reilly (SUR05), David Serafini (MEL98), Cody Hart (SUR13), Jordan Paris (ATK06) and Zac Paulic (TUR05) are working together for Gold Coast based company, funding.com.au which was founded by Jack O’Reilly in 2015. They are one of Australia’s leading online platforms for property finance and investments who are the only platform in Australia licenced to accept retail investors funds and also to lend money to consumers. They’re on the verge of getting some institutional investment from one tier banks and venture capital firms and with this investment they will be poised for rapid growth in the future.
Noah Lolesio (WAL17) Brumbies player, Noah Lolesio (WAL17), won the Graham Gordon Memorial U20 Best and Fairest Award in August this year. He was also part of the Junior Wallaby group which gripped the nation, reaching the World Cup Final in Argentina. Congratulations also to Noah who signed to the ACT Brumbies in early November.
Jeff Anning (WAL93) Co-founder of Evolve Skateboards, Jeff Anning (WAL93), has managed an average of 94% growth each year since it was founded in a Broadbeach garage in 2011, with about 75% of current sales coming from international clients. This year, he has launched a new app, Explore by Evolve, connecting their customers across the world, allowing them to track and share information about their rides and compete against each other on local and international leaderboards.
Jock Campbell (BID13) was picked up by the Queensland Reds at the end of 2018 after playing for University of Queensland upon graduating school. Now in his third season with NRC title contenders, Queensland Country, Jock says his “time at TSS had taught him the value of hard work and persistence”. He hopes to become a source of inspiration for any player who thought a shot at Super Rugby had passed them by.
Mike Davis (RAD00) Mike Davis (RAD00) is Queensland General Manager of Parkable, Australasia’s fastest-growing parking app platform that connects business who have vacant parking spaces with people looking for parking. Businesses are able to list their vacant parking spaces on a very flexible basis using the new innovative app and earn extra income on the side, rather than having unused in-demand spaces going to waste. Mike says “Parking is increasingly difficult and expensive to come by and many businesses and organisations have unused parking spaces in high demand, central locations.” Many businesses in the city centre have lots of parking for staff, and now on days off including sick days, weekends, evenings and annual leave, companies can pump money back into the organisation by renting out their spare spaces. Instead of unused parking spaces gaining no financial value, companies are now taking advantage of all the out-of-office times that spaces are available for hire. As the demand for parking continues to grow, this is a good new source of revenue for businesses. Parkable recently announced a joint venture in China and earlier this year acquired Brisbane-based parking solutions business Park Genie. Parkable is now operating in three Australian cities as well as Shanghai, China.
Luke Bradnam (RAD89) Congratulations to Luke Bradnam (RAD89) who won “Best Station Produced Comedy Segment” at the 31st Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs).
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Together, lets imagine what's next...
To donate visit TheSouthportSchool.com/Foundation
EVENTS
Annand Theatre 2020 Building a Community OLIVIA DEAN TSS FOUNDATION
Like many independent schools across Australia, The Southport School depends on the support of the entire community. A community that enables TSS the opportunity to move ahead and develop essential innovative educational facilities for our current and future students. The Annand Theatre transformation is now well underway and the support from Old Boys, past and present parents, sponsors, students and staff has been extraordinary.
W
ith every donation generously matched by the TSS Foundation, a total of over $715,000 has been raised so far, helping us to advance and transform our school to ensure its future strength and standing. Naming opportunities are now open for the main entrance Gallery and the Riverside Event Space allowing TSS families the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy within the walls of this new, historic structure. The Annand Theatre has been the centrepiece of TSS since 1993, housing a number of cultural performances, school assemblies and graduation ceremonies; culminating each year with the highly anticipated Speech Day.
Over the last decade, the School has grown substantially which has rendered the building too small. To help accommodate this growth, TSS unveiled its Annand Project in early 2019, which has been on the School’s master building plan for a number of years. It will contain 1200 seats, accommodating both the student population and the 120 senior academic staff. The new design will also incorporate the music department, who were for decades housed in the Cable Station buildings along the Nerang River. As the biggest capital undertaking ever delivered at The Southport School, we have ensured we stay true to the School’s heritage, which was taken into consideration during the design process. While our historic Chapel is the spiritual heart of the School, the new Annand will be the cultural heart and a place where our boys can come together like never before. Designed by Architects, Burling Brown, and built by Condev Constructions, the theatre is due for completion towards the end of 2020. For information on how you can support the Annand Theatre campaign, ways you can give or for information regarding the work of the Foundation please email olivia.dean@tss.qld.edu.au, greg.cornelsen@tss.qld.edu.au (TSS Philanthropy) or call 07 5531 9841.
With thanks to our generous donors… Annand Society
Peter & Heather Russell
J Douglass
Douglas Murphy
Community Donors
Alex Gregory Madge
Derek J Murphy
Colin Oxenford
Joseph Welch
Angus Douglas
June Westmacott
Kristyn Hailey
Gordon Douglas
Diana Yu Zheng
Prof Ainslie Sheil
The Holsheimer Family
Lauren Frith
Kurt Dalton
William J Clinton
Haydn Chambers
Erin Craig
Ian Robinson & Amanda Mutch
David & Julienne Thomas
Vivian Milligan
Paul Wood and Family
Samuel A Staines
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EVENTS
TSS Foundation Golf Day and McWhirter Cup OLIVIA DEAN TSS FOUNDATION
As the hosts of the Old Boys Weekend re-union events this year in addition to our golf day, the RACV Royal Pines Resort did not disappoint, turning on a stunning day to enjoy the beautiful championship course and its surrounds.
P
layers were lucky to secure their spot on the green with this extremely popular event selling out in just two weeks. Once again, our Golf Day partner, House of Golf, provided some amazing prizes for all players in contention including our ever-competitive Old Boys. Hole Sponsors this year supported our Scholarship Program with their generous contributions. The Foundation would like to thank Condev Construction, Bos Property, Lloyds Auctioneers and Valuers, Pryzm Supply, CorpSure Insurance, Cyber Audit Team, Stacks Law Firm and Class ‘ N’ Glass Lux Metal for your continued support and involvement on course helping to create a unique and exciting experience for all. Tee off was set earlier this year at 11.00am allowing players to return for the prize presentation as the sun was setting. Conditions were ideal early in the day with
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the crosswind picking up sending some balls astray to the water and the sand. Players returned to the clubhouse at the end of play in good time, arriving at the prize presentation and drinks just before dark. The TSS Foundation winners on the day were longterm supporters Paul Forbes and the team from Robina Financial Services with a score of 53.75 nett. Grant Oxenford and staff member Joshua McQueen also secured the Nearest the Pin and the Longest Drive. OSA McWhirter Cup winners included Old Boys Baz Lea for the Nearest the Pin and Luke Dempsey for the Longest Drive. Second place Old Boys Andrew Jefferies, James McDougall, Rick Atkinson and Ben Windsor should be congratulated on their final score of 54.25 nett narrowly missing out on the coveted prize of the McWhirter Cup taken out by Adam Hutchinson, Carey O’Dowd, Jason Matigian and Adam Lacey with a score of 54 nett. The TSS Foundation Golf Day at Royal Pines Resort will be held on Friday 14 August 2020, we hope to see you there.
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EVENTS
Generations Cocktail Reception 2019 OLIVIA DEAN TSS FOUNDATION
This year, the hallowed halls of the historic Hall of Fame were host to generations of Old Boys and their families celebrating their commitment to The Southport School. Grandfathers, fathers and students came together once again to enjoy a very special night in the TSS calendar. This wonderful event continues to be an integral part of the annual Old Boys’ Weekend.
O
ne particular family showed their commitment and heritage by attending in record numbers. Sixteen family members from the Chandler clan filled the room, eagerly awaiting to hear from Hugh and William Chandler who were our chosen student and Old Boy speaker for 2019. After a welcome from Headmaster Greg Wain who discussed the traditions and rich history that generations of Old Boys bring to TSS, guests enjoyed a fabulous array of food and drinks provided by the School as a thank you to those returning families for their ongoing support.
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Whilst Hugh may have taken a fair amount of convincing to address such a respected crowd, the Vote of Thanks to the Old Boys was an excellent example of a committed student who has an immense love for the institution that has played such an integral part in his educational journey. Hugh thanked the Old Boys and the Old Southportonian Association for their ongoing support of the School and its traditions. Hugh’s father William then took the stage, discussing his memories from his time in Delpratt and indeed the challenges and successes his family have experienced over many years. The Foundation thanks all guests for attending this wonderful event in 2019 and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Hall of Fame in 2020.
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EVENTS
Older Old Boys’ Assembly and Lunch AMY MCDOUGALL OSA COORDINATOR
This year we made a few changes to our Old Boys’ Weekend, commencing with the Older Old Boys’ Assembly and Lunch on Friday 16 August.
O
lder Old Boys’ are those who commenced at the School 60 years ago or more, and this year we had a record 76 in attendance along with their guests. The day commenced with a morning tea on the Delpratt Lawn followed by a chapel service in St. Alban’s Chapel to honour Mr Alan Radcliffe (THO 39) who passed away 6 June at 97 years of age. Following the service, the Senior School boys created a Guard of Honour leading the Older
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Old Boys down to the Centenary Centre for their assembly. It was a heartwarming moment, with all the Older Old Boys thrilled with the respect and gratitude that was given to them, from the students who will one day become Old Boys themselves. Lunch was held in the Hall of Fame following the assembly where the Older Old Boys were able to renew their acquaintances amongst some of the history and traditions of The Southport School. This day is a favourite on many of our Older Old Boys’ calendars and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2020.
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Front Row (L-R): Robert Akes, Colin Weir, Bert Cockerill, Peter Fletcher, Joffre Bell, Paul Perrin, Colin Oxenford, Bob Andrew, Edward Kernke, Keith Cameron, Errol Ste
Second Row (L-R): Alan Lough, Tony Barnes, Tom Dobson, Bryan Parkinson, Lyle Robson, Peter Lohse, Peter Lengenberg, Lance Look, John Wettenhall, Ken Mander-Jo Third Row (L-R): John Youngman, Richard Carter, Robert Arkell, Richard Hassall, David Hassall, Rowland Hassall, Denis Land, David Cameron, David Cliffe, Grahame
Fourth Row (L-R): John (Horse) Jackson, Angus Douglas, John Dowling, Murray Murdoch, Tony Wiltshire, Peter Graham, Gordon Douglas, Rodney Secombe, David Ho Fifth Row (L-R): Raymond Neilsen, John Helgeson, Allan Clarke, Richard Moore.
Guard of Honour 22
The Old Southportonians’ Review
einhardt, Radley West, Graeme Rylance, Matthew Meerkin, Lionel Meerkin, Noel Kahler
ones, Berwick Boyd, David Miller, Bill Chandler, Ross Cameron. (George) Greenup, Paul Driver, Archie Douglas, Bob Hancock
ordern, Brian McCullough, David Cameron, Sam Staines, John MacDonnell, Gordon Cuffe
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EVENTS
Reunion Dinner Year of the Nines AMY M C DOUGALL OSA CO-ORDINATOR
On the evening of Friday 16 August, all our Reunion year groups had their dinner together at Royal Pines Resort. Our annual Old Boys’ Weekend is growing in numbers every year and this now means the School’s Dining Hall is unable to accommodate the large number of Old Boys.
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019 saw over 200 Old Boys in attendance and after a welcome introduction by Headmaster, Mr Greg Wain and OSA Secretary Mr Scott Parry, Rev. Jim Stonier delivered Grace and the guests enjoyed their meals while the School Captain from each year group entertained the guests with stories from their memorable time at the School. The OSA would like to thank all those involved with the planning of such a wonderful weekend. We look forward to Year of the Tens next year on Friday 14 August 2020.
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BRANCH NEWS
Branch News Beagle Boys Lunch Cav’s Steakhouse 6 MARCH 2019
(L-R) John (Horse) Jackson (THO65), Gary Ferguson (MCK61), Berrick Boyd (MCK56), Bert Cockerill (MCK55), Brendan Egan (MCK 59), Rob Ireland (THO59), Peter Kerkenezov (DEL65), Lionel Meerkin (SHEP47), Bruce Wright (RAD85)
Beagle Boys Lunch - The Caxton Hotel 12 JUNE 2019
Back row (L-R) Arthur Fittock (THO57), Gary Ferguson (MCK61), John Wettenhall (THO55), David Campbell (DEL57), John McDonnell (THO57), Tony Goodwin (THO54), Roy Reynolds (MCK58), Bob Arkell (MCK61), Daryl Jones (54), John Warner (MCK53), Malcolm Searle (DEL61), Fred Reichart (THO54), and Radley West (MCK54). Seated (L-R) Berrick Boyd (MCK56), Col Oxenford (THO55), Dave Miller (THO54), Bert Cockerill (MCK55) and Ken Mander-Jones (DEL55).
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Tattersall’s Anzac Memorial Lunch 2019
MAJ GEORGE FRIEND, OAM (DEL74) & BRIG (RETD) BRUCE SCOTT (THO73)
ANGUS DOUGLAS (THO62) AND ANDREW DUFF (THO72)
Mulgowie Muster 16 JUNE 2019
Thank you to Annelise and Sandy Kemp (THO63) for all your hard work in planning this wonderful annual event.
GARY FERGUSON PRESENTING SIMO SCOTT WITH AN AWARD FOR 10 YEARS MUSTERING
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BRANCH NEWS
Melbourne – Boilermaker House and Stalactites Thank you to John Evans (SUR87) and Warren Adderley (DEL68)
Sydney – The Squire’s Landing Thank you to John Hawker (MCK63), James Irvine (MAU93) and Kyle Vinnicombe (WAL00)
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OSA SYD N EY BR A N C H OS A SYDNEY BRANCH CHRISTMAS LUNCH
CHRISTMAS LUNCH
OS A SYDN EY BRA NCH
Friday 13th December Pre-Drinks Midday for at 1pm Pre-Drinks Midday forLunch Lunch at 1pm
Friday 13th December CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Friday 13th DecemberCity Tattersall's Club City Tattersall's Club 194 Pre-Drinks Midday for Lunch at Pitt 1pmStreet, Sydney
(JustPitt SouthStreet, of the PittSydney St Mall) 194 Tattersall's Club (Just South of the Pitt St Mall) RSVP: john.hawker@bigpond.com
City 194 Pitt Street, Sydney 0412 960 403 or (Just South of the Pitt St Mall) James Irvine -
RSVP: john.hawker@bigpond.com jirvine@aegogden.com RSVP: john.hawker@bigpond.com 0412 960 403 or 0412 960 403 or James Irvine James Irvine jirvine@aegogden.com jirvine@aegogden.com
UK Branch Notice
Darling Downs Old Boys
Mark Coady (BID98) is the new Branch Coordinator in London. If you’re an Old Boy living in London, join the Facebook group: OSA UK – TSS Old Boys or contact Mark on coadyma@gmail.com to ensure you don’t miss out on events in 2020.
Please contact Marc Kennedy (DEL83) on 0427 662 554 or manager@downsclub.com.au or osa@tss.qld.edu.au to update your details and register your interest for upcoming events in 2020
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SCHOOL NEWS
TSS Launches SIP Week with Perry Cross TSS in conjunction with the Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation, helped launch this year’s Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week (SIP Week).
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he initiative, established in 2002 by Perry himself, aims to provide a glimpse into the lives of the 15,000 Australians living with a spinal cord injury and encourages participants to drink all beverages through a straw for one week – an everyday reality for those living with paralysis. Since his spinal injury 25 years ago, Perry has established himself as one of the worlds’ most inspiring motivational speakers and a leader in spinal injury research; dedicating his life to helping others, and finding a cure for paralysis. In September this year, the School welcomed Perry who addressed Year 11 students on the importance of practicing mindfulness when searching for meaning and purpose in life. At the young age of 16, this can be a difficult task and one that most adults would even find challenging. However, as a C2 ventilated quadriplegic, Perry described finding his life purpose as a feeling; one that made his heart flutter, brought about by a sense of contentment, which ignited a fire in the belly that cannot be compared to anything other than a strong “gut instinct or intuition.” In addition, a number of students volunteered to
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be involved in this years’ ‘Take My Ride’ – a fun masterclass lead by SIP Week Ambassador Matt Khune and the School’s very own Daniel Trollope. This initiative allowed the boys to temporarily experience life in a wheelchair, giving them an insight into developing a sense empathy and compassion toward those living with a disability. The School looks at ‘experiential learning’ as an invaluable component of its Wellbeing Health program, and these opportunities are critical in supporting the development of social-emotional skills, particularly during adolescence. It also assists with providing a better understanding around the importance of making positive choices that may prevent a lifelong consequence.
SCHOOL NEWS
2019 NAPLAN Success MR JEFF SYMMS DEPUTY HEADMASTER AND HEAD OF PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Our Year 3 boys ranked 1st on the Gold Coast and Year 5 ranked 5th. When amalgamated this placed TSS Preparatory School 2nd overall.
1st on the Gold Coast for spelling with the Year 3 boys also ranking 1st in Writing, 2nd in Reading, Punctuation and Grammar and Numeracy.
This is a tremendous achievement and I congratulate the boys and teachers for such a wonderful result. What is perhaps even more impressive is how well the boys did in the literacy components of the assessments. Our boys ranked
The 2019 results confirm TSS Preparatory as one of the finest academic schools on the Gold Coast. Well done!
In addition, the number of boys who achieved in the top bands of academic achievement, which is quite remarkable: • I n Year 5 numeracy, 67% of our boys achieved scores in the top two academic bands compared to only 27% statewide. • I n Year 3 Numeracy, 72% of our boys scored in the top two academic bands compared to only 35% statewide. •8 5% of our Year 3 boys achieved in the top two academic bands for Spelling compared to only 46% statewide.
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S P O RT N E W S
PREP SPORTS ROBERT EGAN
Sport is a great way to prepare for life. Love, learning and labour can be the key to succeed in any venture but are essential attributes when it comes to longevity in Sport.
In the sporting world, quite often you hear athletes discuss the season so far, or their past twelve months or even the last team they played for at school. Their story usually referring to the not too distant past or present. What you often don’t hear however, is where the story started and the early, positive experience that lead them to that point. That is where our Preparatory sport comes into the picture. It is here we introduce and begin to cultivate the boy’s enjoyment of a sport, laying the foundations and corner stones for success later in life, at all levels.
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he rich and nurturing sports program on offer at Prep had something for everyone this year. Filled with over 50 co-curricular clubs, 18 GPS Sports, a junior Rugby and Football club, House Sport, a comprehensive HPE and Core Skills program, there isn’t a shortage of something to throw yourself into each week. The diversity of this year’s co-curricular program saw many non-traditional sports such as handball, dance, chess, fitness, AFL, sailing and marital arts on offer, to name just a few. This was balanced with the more traditional Football Academy, Rugby Academy, Cricket Academy, tailored towards our team sports enthusiasts.
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This part of our program encourages every student to try something new, embrace a balance in their sporting endeavours or perhaps indulge in a second taster of those traditional sports they enjoy so much. The GPS sport program needs no introduction. The premier school competition offers 2 or more sports a term for our boys to train and play in each week. This is where our Year 5 and 6 boys connect with other individuals and schools, foster shared values of dedication, respect, sportsmanship and pursue excellence. Our Junior Rugby and Football clubs offers much the same as the GPS Sport to our Reception to Year 4 students. Again a formal competition, this program
Striking and Fielding, Fitness, large ball skills, minor games and fundamental movement patterns. Along with the health component of our Curriculum, which touches on everything from sun safety, healthy habits and beyond, 2019 saw the launch of our new Talk Sports seminars. These workshops are on offer for our sporting enthusiasts to gain further insight into elite sport. So far we have had Health Man Mark come in to talk to our boys about nutrition in sport and a goal setting seminar for productive sports practice. There is sure to be more to come from this area of our program.
runs for 22 weeks of the year and teaches our boys about progress, persistence and commitment, all whilst having a bucket load of fun with their friends. This program both builds new and solidifies existing relationships from the classroom, fostering that band of brother’s togetherness that lights up our School. This area is certainly a hit with our boys, with over 80% of them accessing the program in 2019.
Core Skills offers something different, working on the technical skills surrounding our larger team games. These sessions are primarily game based and offer the balance between technical and skill based practice. Within this program we have had several high profile visitors this year including Northcliffe Surf Club, World Champion Ironman, Rugby World Cup Winners, PGA Golfer, Queensland Rugby and internationally renowned coaches. One of the many highlights was the visit of former England, Bath and London Irish Rugby
House Sport offers a different dimension. With its vertical system of four Houses; Dixon, Mitre, Musgrave and Shepherd running through the Prep School. The boys compete in a plethora of sports throughout the year under their House flag, contributing toward the Howard Smith Cup. This year saw a clean sweep for Musgrave in our major Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics carnivals, but a much wider spread of results across our other House sports. These have included Chess, Basketball, Football, Touch Rugby, Tennis, Debating and Cricket. House sport offers a perfect opportunity to play against your peer group, in a fun, friendly but competitive environment. The HPE and Core Skills programs continues to thrive, offering two, weekly sessions. HPE itself offers the physical literacy and knowledge pathway for our boys. Developing the ABCS (Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed), core strength and body management. This year HPE comprised of numerous opportunities, including Swimming, Gymnastics, Player, Mike Catt to campus. It is great to see the calibre of personnel within our staff and resources that our boys’ access to continues to grow. The mission of our Preparatory Sport and HPE Department is to create an environment in which achieving a personal best is inevitable. We are certainly along that path, with a substantial program for our boys to engage in. Each week there is plenty of hard work (labour), learning and you have only got to look at the photos to see, enjoyment (love) in our sporting lives.
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S P O RT N E W S
ROWING LEIGH HOLTSBAUM
In 2019 the TSS Rowing program had 220 rowers signed on for the season. Using this large squad the School was able to field all GPS point scoring events available with three extra crews to bolster the squad.
At the Head of the River, TSS Rowing had a solid day at Lake Wyaralong in the Beaudesert Hinterland achieving 3rd place in the Old Boys Cup, which reflects the depth across the GPS Squads. One of the many highlights was the fact we finished in the top three in seven of the 12 available races on the day. The shed will continue to work hard with the focus of keeping all TSS crews competitive, and getting all boats into the top three at the Head of the River in 2020.
There were many highlights to the 2019 season. Our Year 8 ‘Learn to Row’ introduced all new rowers with their performances reflecting this with six of the 10 divisions winning their race, particularly the Year 8 First Quad winning. The Year 10 program performed solidly, improving on their Year 9 season with a noted increase in performance and attitude toward shed culture. Our Year 11 program performed well on the day and have proven they will be a strong group coming through for 2020. One of the major highlights of the 2019 season was the Year 9 Quads. They were a large cohort and have developed into a strong squad. We wait with anticipation to see what they are capable of in 2020 and the hunt for the O’Connor Cup.
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n 2019 the Year 9 Quad Crews were part of the Head of the River for the first time in history. Although their efforts did not go toward the Head of the River point score (Aggregate Cup) they were able to race on the ‘big stage’ which was a fantastic opportunity. TSS won 10 of the 12 divisions of racing and showed that the squad is going to be a force to be reckoned with over the coming seasons.
In addition to the Head of the River, TSS attended the Australian Rowing National Championships held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. The results were as follows:
In the Old Boys Cup, TSS Rowing had a number of crews perform exceptionally well at the Head of the River. The TSS First VIII posted a good result with the crew finishing 3rd in a photo finish across 2nd, 3rd & 4th. Nudgee were the victors with a very strong crew. This result was a solid for the School, and the focus stays on sustainability in the hope to produce more winning crews in the coming seasons.
The 2019 rowing season for TSS saw many solid performances throughout the season. There is no doubt that the School can aspire to higher levels of achievement within QLD GPS Rowing. Based on our improvement over the past few seasons we are looking forward eagerly to the 2020 Head of the River.
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• Men’s Under 17 4X+ – 2nd • Men’s Under 19 4X – 1st • Men’s Under 17 2X – 1st • Men’s Under 17 1X – 2nd
S P O RT N E W S
BASKETBALL BRENDAN LEGASSICK
The GPS Basketball program had 300 students participate this season with 28 teams competing and we experienced a high level of competition across both the Prep and Senior Schools.
To the Prep boys and Mrs Schroder, congratulations on a competitive GPS season. It has been a challenging one, with several scheduled rounds cancelled due to student illness, but it still didn’t stop the Prep School from winning most of their games. Mrs Schroder continues to provide unwavering support for the program. Also, congratulations to Mrs Vikki Sams who has now achieved five years of coaching service within the Prep program.
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ur First V playing group look forward to coordinating and interacting with the Prep school students, when they assist with the training and round robin competition in Term 4 at the Prep School. The Year 9A team took out our “most successful team” of 2019 displaying some outstanding team and individual skill sets under the watchful eye of the NSW State Performance Coach, Mr Alvin Caoyonan. The First V team had a change of head coach with Year 7 teacher and former Australian and NBL player, Anthony Petrie taking the reins. Mr Petrie has developed a challenging environment with a focus on commitment to school values in his first year at the helm. Mr Petrie’s communication skills and attention to detail, has created a new and exciting chapter that will represent TSS on court with passion and effort.
TSS First V commenced the season with a tough start losing their first three games to Nudgee, Churchie and BSHS. TSS found rhythm and finished the second half of the season strongly winning four of the last five games and finishing 5th in the premiership with a four and four record. TSS competed in the Championship division of the Annual Champion Basketball Schools Queensland Tournament during the Term three holidays. The players were full of confidence, winning the first four games of the tournament, ensuring a top eight finish. TSS fell five points short to the eventual State champions (Ignatius Park College, Townsville) in the quarter finals, finishing a credible 6th in the State. In Term four TSS will again participate with a U17 development team at the Australian School Championships (ASC) in Melbourne during the first week of December. This tournament will allow TSS students an opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the nation. It will also provide the returning players national exposure and development for next year’s GPS competition. Once again thank you to our basketball community consisting of students, parents, coaches, Old Boys’ and the Friends of Basketball committee for all their efforts during the year.
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S P O RT N E W S
SAILING NICHOLAS STANSBIE
2019 has seen another successful season for The Southport School Sailing Club. We have seen record numbers of boys, and nearly 80 boys have had their first experience of sailing, including the majority of boys in Rogers House.
We have also seen a number of our boys sailing at a national and international level. Angus Wheatley sailing in the Australian Optimist team and attending regattas in Oman, and Blake Wilson sailing in regattas in the Baltic and Mediterranean throughout the year.
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ur Sailing Leadership team in 2019 involved two boys who have committed themselves to TSS Sailing for many years, with considerable success. Tom Wright was our Sailing Captain, well supported by Calum Lockett as the Racing Captain. We wish them well in their future endeavours after graduation from TSS.
This year also saw some changes in our coaching team, with the introduction of two of our class of 2018, Connor Pilcher and Xavier Doerr who brought a unique energy and enthusiasm to the program. Connor took on the coordination of the junior sailing program and Xavier coached the Racing Team. They were joined by
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other coaches Danah Clements, Jess Sabin, Ky Heale, Mark Lockett and Di Francis. Our boys responded very positively to their expert tutelage and the enthusiasm and enjoyment of every session was palpable. This season also saw the introduction of two TSS home regattas – opportunities for the boys who were learning to sail to develop their skills in a competitive environment. These were very well attended and enjoyed by the boys and their spectating parents! The Racing Team this year also saw a renewed focus on Teams racing. In addition to fleet racing and the additional tactical challenges that this involved, caught the boys’ imagination and brought an additional
competitiveness to many training sessions. Bad weather saw the cancellation of sailing at RQYS on more than one occasion, yet nevertheless the strength of the TSS Sailing community was very evident, and the support of the families of the racing team proved invaluable as we made the trip up to Manly each Sunday.
By the end of the season once again, the TSS Racing Team achieved the remarkable feat of a 6th successive GPS Sailing Championship, with a tightly fought win in the GPS Regatta. As has been the case in previous years, the level of competition in this regatta was significantly the highest of the season, with the best sailors from Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Boys College providing a real challenge for our boys. In addition, crews from non-GPS schools including Iona College and Somerville House were also very competitive. Sailing was delayed early due to light winds, however the breeze strengthened throughout the day allowing six races. Blake Wilson and Lachlan Free were the only TSS crew to win an individual race during the day, being successful in the first race. Our boys at times found the congestion on the start line challenging to negotiate, however, their overall speed and greater consistency throughout the course of the day proved invaluable. When the regatta concluded, Blake Wilson and Lachlan Free finished in 2nd place, followed by Tom Wright and Zach Miller-Wright in 4th place and Angus Wheatley and Andy Douyere in 7th place from a fleet of 34 boats. This gave the TSS First VI the overall first position.
• Harry Stapleton and Harry Hogan, 16th place • Charlie Hart and Ben Stroebel, 19th place • Lachlan Wheatley and Blair Parker, 21st place • Rex Stuckey and Ryan Hebdon, 24th place • Lachlin Iland and Yathish Soni, 29th place. Overall it was a fantastic and hugely competitive day of sailing. The boys all conducted themselves with wonderful spirit and were genuinely supportive of one another. Coaches Xavier Doerr and Connor Pilcher were deservedly proud of the way in which the boys had trained for this day and the depth of talent for the future was very evident. As always, sailing at TSS is very fortunate to have the support of the Friends of Sailing, led once again, by outgoing President, Matt Wright. 2019 saw the completion of the season with a dinner, where we were able to celebrate the achievements of the season and also recognise the contribution of Matt and his family. John Douyere has now taken on the role of President.
Also competing for TSS were:
It is also worth noting that our sailing program at TSS is receiving wider recognition. We were nominated for the ‘Queensland Sailing Club of the Year’, where we were a finalist, as was Connor Pilcher who was nominated for ‘Instructor of the Year.’
• Calum Lockett and Tadhg Stuckey, who finished in 14th place
Onwards for 2020!
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S P O RT N E W S
2019 GPS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL RICHES - GPS SWIMMING CAPTAIN
This season of GPS swimming has been a massive experience for everyone involved. From the Friday night lead up meets, to the team building session at Aqua splash, all of the boys have bought into the culture of the team this year as we worked towards building the strength of our band of brothers.
It wasn’t all easy though. The past eight weeks we were pushed to our absolute breaking point. Main set after main set, forcing the boys to work harder than ever before.
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he workload was beginning to get so intense that it prompted the question; how bad do we want it? I think our guts and determination displayed at GPS answered that question. The final results showed us coming in third place, only just behind Nudgee and BGS. As hard as it was to see someone else on top of the podium, all of the swimmers from TSS came together to produce a performance that we should all be proud of. Losing is always a tough pill to swallow but it is how the boys respond next year, that really matters. I’d like to say a massive thanks to all the staff who were a part of the GPS swimming season as well as all of the world class coaches that helped push us boys to new levels. Also, to the vice captains, Kalani Skipps and James Ware, for their support and energy that helped create a really great team culture. Head Junior Coach – David Thomas The Junior Boys showed great fight and determination at the 2019 GPS Championships. Every Boy, every swimmer, every supporter, every high five, every hard earned point is valuable to the Team. With very
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little separating the Teams between 4th and 7th the boys should be very proud of their effort in securing 6th place. The 2019 was a wonderful season for the Grade 5-7 Team with excellent Team spirit and even more impressive attitude and commitment to training. Over 75% of boys swam faster on GPS Championship Day than the Prep House Carnival at the start of the season – all those training sessions paying off. This year’s Captain Hudson Sheehan played a key role in rallying the troops and his energy and passion for TSS helped the Boys throughout the season. Special mention to Angus Ciesiolka 12rs and under 50m Backstroke, Oscar Eddy 12yrs and under 50m Breaststroke and Ethan McAnulty 12yrs and under 50m Freestyle and Backstroke; winners in their Divisions. Huge thanks to Janice Cole, Marissa Schroder, Robert Egan, Anne Senden, Jody Rasmussen, Mel Goulding and Danny Marshall for their support on the day and throughout the season.
S P O RT N E W S
RUGBY ADRIAN BLUNDELL
What a year it was for Rugby boys in the Red, White and Blue!! With an increased focus on safety in 2019, most TSS boys started training in Term two, during Core PE as well as in the new state of the art weights room.
The First XV finished off a fantastic season as undefeated GPS premiers. A season of huge excitement epitomised by last minute wins vs Nudgee and BBC, and then to finish off a nail biting draw vs IGS at the Shark Tank.
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ollowing the successful GPS season, many boys were rewarded with tours and representative selections. Following in the footsteps of past TSS Rugby tours to France 2007, New Zealand 2011 and England 2015, 44 TSS students and five staff travelled to Japan to follow the Wallabies for their 2019 Rugby World Cup Campaign. What an amazing sporting and cultural experience! QLD Reds won the National U16 Championships, U18 games vs Rebels and Waratahs and then the Australian U18s defeated NZ U18s for the first time since 2012! A special congratulations to George Blake, Zane Nonggorr and Dion Samuela who were key parts of this historic win.
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S P O RT N E W S
FOOTBALL JOE DOLAN
GPS Football in 2019 was our first in 15 years with Head Coach Mr Keith Stevens in charge of the First XI. We would like to thank him and his assistant Mr Rudy Harms for their unwavering commitment to the role, and their unprecedented success between 2012 and 2014 where TSS won three back-to-back premierships.
The annual Easter Tournament brought club teams and schools from all over Australia to TSS where we combine year group teams to prepare for the GPS season.
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he Under 15s, a combination of our Year 9 and 10 students; won the tournament following on from two years ago when they were runners up as Under 13s. The First XI had a fantastic start to their 2019 campaign with an unforgettable 1-0 win on Ross Oval against Nudgee College, with goalkeeper Ryan Mudaliar (Thorold House) saving a last minute penalty to secure the win. They followed this up with a 2-1 win on the Village Green against Churchie, their only defeat as Churchie went on to win the Premiership in 2019, as well as a 2-1 win away at Brisbane State High. Unfortunately this great form couldn’t be sustained as they were beaten by both Toowoomba Grammar and
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Brisbane Grammar schools and drew with Brisbane Boys College. A tough home win against Gregory Terrace and a hard fought draw away at Ipswich Grammar led them to a 3rd place finish. Thank you to all the staff, parents, coaches and students that contributed to TSS Football in 2019.
S P O RT N E W S
TSS CRICKET OSA 2019 OLD BOYS VS TSS 1ST XI 2019 STEVEN BAKER
Round 1 of GPS Cricket vs Nudgee 2019 also saw the Festival of Cricket Weekend. The Saturday games vs Nudgee were quite a contest to start the season, and then the TSS playing fields were abuzz again on Sunday with the Super 8’s carnival and TSS Old Boys’ XI vs the TSS 1st XI of 2019 running concurrently.
Old Boy’s Captain Simon Anderson lead a formidable Old Boys line up boasting a number of current and past Premier Grade Cricketers to test the 2019 1st XI for the “Bill King” Trophy.
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s per tradition, TSS 1st XI bowled first. Playing 30 overs each (a shorter version than usual) this enabled some brilliant hitting from Bo Veivers and Josh Kann. The Old Boys made a very respectable total of 190. Three wickets to Peter Lynch, two wickets to Jack Sinfield and Ky Newitt who were the best of the TSS 1st XI bowlers. In reply TSS 1st XI batted with composure and aggression to reach the total with 16 balls to spare. They were led by their captain Hugo Burdon who made a classy 98no and was supported by Cody Durante 36 and some late massive hitting by Matt Manley with 25no. The game was played in great spirits and heartily enjoyed by Old Boys and the current 1st XI squad.
SUPER 8’S CARNIVAL
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he TSS Cricket family came together for a ‘big bash’. It was a terrific response with players, parents and Old Boys taking part with teams such as “Mother Cricket”, “Coaches Team”, “Rogers 1&2”, “Silly Sloggers” etc. The teams were impressive through their fixture rounds and the boys played hard. The competition was split in Division 1 & Division 2 and the day was enjoyed by all. “Masulu” lead by Old Boys’ Luke McIlwraith and Pat Yelland came from nowhere to sneak into the final then completed a three-peat of wins by passing the “Six Offenders” score on the last ball of the final. In the Division 2 Final the battle of the boarding teams saw “Boarders 8” account for “Rogers 2” in an energetic display.
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S P O RT N E W S
TSS CRICKET FIRST XI PREMIERS 2019 HUGO BURDON - TSS FIRST XI CAPTAIN
Through sport we learn to embrace being out of our comfort zone but more specifically in cricket we learn adaptability, through learning to cope and operate with uncertainty. Cricket is more than fitness, it’s strategic, which requires a range of skills and emotional discipline.
So how have we got to this point, through uncertainty? No one would predict that Matthew Eddowes, one of our front line bowlers of 2018 First XI, would be out injured last December.
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r that Cody sustained a finger injury in the Adelaide January preseasons games but was there to face Round 1 against Nudgee. No one thinks you will win a premiership when you begin the 2019 season with a significant loss to Nudgee. Tom Watts didn’t know he would be thrown into captaincy mid game in Week 5 due to my illness at the time, and he did this effortlessly and carried on in Week 6 and 7. These were not ideal situations and the coaches and players shouldered it all. Against BSHS their captain, who has been clocked bowling at 143km, summed up Jack Sinfield’s performance as having “nerves of steel” in getting us to the total. This win put us back into the mix. That inner strength is what binds us together. It is what we leverage off and why when we get knocked down we get back up again and every week someone pulls off an exceptional winning performance with either bat, ball
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or fielding. This team is not about being invincible, it is about facing adversity together. In the last round vs IGS, TSS First XI batted first towards the 2019 GPS Cricket Premiership. It was such an exciting finish and, just like last year, it came down to the last over. They needed 10 to win and we needed to bowl them out. If we had lost the game, Nudgee would have won the title... so it was a great win, not just because every First XI game has been close… but the TSS First XI outplayed the opposition in the key moments of the match. Cody Durante (51) and Matthew Manley (36) had a key partnership and then TSS kept the pressure on in the field, with Peter Lynch chiming in with a run out and three wickets. Matthew Dalton delivered in the last over of the match in a thrilling finale. Three consecutive years… and seven in the past ten years. What a highlight!
TSS FIRST XI PLAYERS 2019: Jack Hocart, Ky Newitt, Mitch Freeman, Hugo Burdon, Matthew Manley, Kye Shield, Jack Sinfield, Tom Watts, Cody Durante, Louis Chabert, Mathew Dalton, Jack Kann, Peter Lynch
S P O RT N E W S
TENNIS DAVID HOGDE
n 2019, TSS Tennis cemented itself as a perennial contender for the GPS competition. Head Coach Kaden Hensel lead the First IV team into battle in Australia’s toughest competition with a mixture of experience and youth in the line-up.
Ryan Selvey was the unanimous choice for Tennis captain and his experience was pivotal in our final league standing. Jack McCarthy backed up his incredible 2018 season by going undefeated at the #1 position for a second straight year. A feat unheard of in GPS play. The team was well supported by Senior Matias McDonald and young gun Timmy Packer.
T
he season started with our diligent grounds staff quickly resurfacing our Senior School courts and our 2019 Hewitt Family Shield winners for Team of the Year, went to our Second IV who played spirited tennis all season capping off a memorable campaign with a victory over the highly touted BBC team. The team consisted of Angus Timoney, Will Bucknell, Aidan Kitchin and Sam Strid. Aidan Kitchen played his best season to date, taking out the Overall Most Valuable Player Award in a stellar effort, which saw him take the top individual award in a count back over Jack McCarthy. Once again, our Tennis Festival was the social highlight of the season bringing together our
fantastic tennis parents, players and our coaching team in celebration of the feats this year. Our coaches were once again fantastic in going above and beyond every week for our boys. Our coaching group has largely remained unchanged, bringing our team consistency of expectation and continuity in their development. Our Prep School Head Coach, Mr Conor Sloss has increased participation in tennis significantly since taking the helm this year, and our Hot Shots program has done exceptionally well in competition. In addition, we cannot thank Mrs. Goudy enough for her support of the Prep Tennis team again this year. Our Senior School staff continue to dedicate their time to our teams, and we couldn’t do it without them. We’re very lucky to have former TSS Tennis standouts and Captains Max McCarthy, William Timoney, Vikram Nedunchezhian and Jesse Russell assisting our boys. Our team also enjoyed the mentoring of former ATP standout David Jeflea and former Grand Slam player Daniella Jeflea.
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S P O RT N E W S
Most valuable players Open – Jack McCarthy
Most improved Year 8 – Rohan Sheppard
Open – Taj Young
Year 8 – Max Dewhurst
Year 11 – Thomas Schwerkolt Year 7 – Jasper Cleland
Year 11 – Wyle Cullimore
Year 7 – Sean Mudimu
Year 10 – Louis Chabert
Year 6 – Alex Walker
Year 10 – Thomas Gossett
Year 6 – Leonardo Cozzolino
Year 9 – Chaad Hewitt
Year 5 – Luke Neophytou
Year 9 – Buddy Holley
Year 5 – Thomas Rogers
Our sincere thanks must go to our ever-supportive Friends of Tennis support group consisting of
support during the year catering for our large number of players and opponents.
Mr Peter McAuley, Mrs Callie Hewitt, and Mrs Lisa Carrick. Behind the scenes, we thank Director of Sport Mr Bryan Hain, Senior School Sports Administrator Ms Siobhan Maguire, Preparatory School Sports Master Mr Rob Egan, Sports Coordinator Mr Joe Dolan, and Sports Administrator Mr Daniel Trollope.
The future of TSS Tennis looks very bright as we bring one of our most experienced squads to date into the competition next year. We’re continuing to attract talented student-athletes from all around the world to take advantage of our unique environment for their tennis and academic needs. We look forward to your support as we go after the title again in 2020.
TSS tennis survives the long season well-fed thanks to Subway -Southport. A special thanks for their amazing
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Go TSS Tennis!
P H I L A N T H ROPY
An Outstanding Presentation The Psychology of Boys GREG CORNELSEN TSS PHILANTHROPY
Headmaster Greg Wain’s presentation on the Psychology of Boys is a must see. Greg’s lecture in many ways defines TSS.
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r Wain presents this lecture numerous times throughout the year to parents and potential parents. I asked Mr Wain if he would present the Psychology of Boys lecture on two occasions for Old Boys and interested parents prior to rugby matches this year. Those who attended were, as I was, very impressed. As I mentioned in a Date Saver email to Old Boys in June this year; “I attended Mr Wain’s presentation to new teaching staff in January this year and was blown away by it. I learnt more about boys and myself in that hour than I have in my 66 years. Having that knowledge years ago would have been invaluable in raising my now 24 yearold son. Most boys, as Greg will explain, do not mature until around age 25. Mr Wain has invested considerable time and energy in researching the work of the world’s leading educators in identifying the vast differences between boys and girls in respect to thinking and learning. He has acquired an extensive knowledge in the area of adolescent brain research, boy’s education, positive psychology and emotional intelligence. In the process, Mr Wain has also attended major conferences and courses on the subject in the United States and is now regarded as a leading keynote speaker specialising in the emotional intelligence and positive education of boys. Key theories around this research play a major role in driving the academic programs and teaching methodologies at TSS. This knowledge of boys sets TSS apart.”
Mr Wain has agreed to present the Psychology of Boys lecture on Old Boys Weekend next year on Saturday, 15th August 2020, 10am at the Broomhead Lecture Theatre. This presentation will be open to all. Please add it to one of your must do action items for 2020 and diarise. Prominent Old Boy and President of the TSS Foundation Angus Douglas was so impressed he commented that it was better than I had advertised in my Date Saver. I didn’t think it possible! A gentle reminder. If an Old Boy or member of the TSS Community would like to discuss the opportunity of leaving a bequest to the School, please contact Greg Cornelsen, Director of Philanthropy. The value of the bequest does not have to be stipulated, simply the area within TSS that you would like to support. Please contact Greg on 0410 061 311 or greg.cornelsen@tss.qld.edu.au
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M Y S T O RY
GEORGE MITCHELL DELPRATT 1940 - 1942
After demobilisation I was lucky enough to continue my studies through the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme (CRTS). After six years I became a qualified Architect and retired long ago as an Honorary Life Member of the Institute.
House Captain 1942 Cadet – Lt 1942, Prefect 1942 First XV 1940-1942 First Head of the River IV 1941-1942 A.A.S.T.C 1951, A.R.A.I.A., R.A.A.F., Aust. 19431946. On Service Architect: Partner, Cranna and Mitchell, Sydney
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n the early forties we raced in fours. The First and Second crews trained on the salt water for The Head of the River which was held on the Brisbane River. As the salt was regarded as easier to row on than fresh, we travelled by launch from the sheds for a week’s training on the Brisbane River. The shells were strapped onto the launch which departed at high tide in the early morning cheered on by the early rising boarders. School numbers, both boarders and day boys, were at their lowest during the war years, and after rowing training we dashed across the football field to train there. After three years, from 1940 to 1942 at TSS, I graduated and joined the remainder of the war. After demobilisation I was lucky enough to continue my studies through the Commonwealth Reconstruction Training Scheme (CRTS). After six years I became a qualified Architect and retired long ago as an Honorary Life Member of the Institute.
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M Y S T O RY
PETER FLETCHER MCKINLEY 1937 -1941
In Angus’ youth, the family was brought up at Peechelba on the Ovens River. On a Saturday afternoon they had a visitor who turned out to be ‘Mad Dog Morgan’ the bushranger.
First XV 1941 Swimming 1941 Gym 1939-1941 Captain of Gymnastics 1941 Senior Gymnastics Champion 1941 R.A.A.F., W/O., New Guinea Catalina Sea Rescue Operations M.I.D. 1945
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decided to join the RAAF upon turning 18 on 18 March 1942. I was called up on the 10.10.1942 and trained as a wireless air gunner and joined a Catalina crew. We also had another member from Southport as our rigger, Colin Thorsborne. We were involved in convoy duty flying all night, sunset to sunrise. When the Bristol Beauforts took over, we conducted the bombing, mine laying and air rescue missions. Later we were given the task of landing in a Japanese harbour. We rescued six American airmen who had
been shot down, and managed to get them into a rubber dingy. An interesting event on my mother’s side was about my grandfather, Angus McPherson. He lived with us to help Dad run the sheep station because Dad was born deaf and found it hard to communicate with trades people. Now Angus came from Winton, from Dagworth Station, which he owned with five brothers, where his sister Christina composed the music for Waltzing Matilda with Banjo Paterson’s help. In Angus’ youth, the family was brought up at Peechelba on the Ovens River. On a Saturday afternoon they had a visitor who turned out to be ‘Mad Dog Morgan’ the bushranger. A maid managed to escape and inform the neighbours; a posse was formed and Morgan was shot on leaving the property.
MCKINLEY 1937 -1941
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A RC H I V E S
1933
ADVERTISERS IN THE FIRST OSA REVIEW MAGAZINE IN 1933
PIKE BROTHERS When TSS decided on an official school uniform in 1907, they turned to Pike Brothers Menswear Emporium.
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lazers, trousers, ties, shirts and boater hats made of exclusive material in school colours were ordered and sent from England to create a style in line with Cambridge and Oxford uniforms. TSS uniforms were supplied by Pikes up until the 40’s, when the Overell family took over the supply. Two English brothers, Edwin and Walter, created the long-running successful menswear, direct importer and tailor company, Pike Brothers in Brisbane in 1885. Their reputation, built on quality and exclusive menswear, mainly targeted the Queensland market of well-heeled graziers. They were located on 30-32, Queen Street, Brisbane and shifted to bigger premises up the road to number 85-91 in 1909. They had branches in Toowoomba, Townsville, Charleville, Roma, Longreach, Melbourne and London. Walter and Edwin continued with the company for most of their lives with their sons taking over in the early 30’s. Pikes were the Queensland representatives for Burberry and continued strongly until eventually bought out by Leviathan in 1956, still trading as Pikes. Eventually the connection to Pikes and Sons was lost in 1975 when McDonnell & East, who expanded the brand into a chain of menswear outlets, went under in the early 1990’s.
TRITTONS The Tritton Family have long connections with TSS with over ten Tritton boys, not including relatives, attending from 1917.
T
ritton’s Furniture Store, established in 1899, were a household name by the early 1900’s with the family owning and running a successful furniture manufacturing business They handmade quality furniture on the premises and were located in George Street, Brisbane. They closed in the late 70’s. We are very lucky to have a beautiful Tritton hand crafted Draftsman’s desk from the 1920’s now residing in the TSS Museum. Originally, it resided in the old rooms on the Nerang River, then in the geography rooms in the 70’s to 80’s and ended up in Thorold House. The Tritton Family believe the piece was either donated to TSS or purchased from the Brisbane factory sometime in the 1920’s. Lovingly coated in pure beeswax and a good polish has brought this piece back to life and now houses old architecture drawings of each building at TSS.
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MCWHIRTERS' Scotland born draper, James McWhirter and the firm of McWhirter & Son Ltd opened the McWhirter’s Drapery department store in Fortitude Valley in 1898 and had expanded the store to a huge 4 block building on the Valley Corner by 1926.
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n astute businessman, James managed to capitalise on Queensland’s economic boom in the early 1900’s and take McWhirters' from a small drapery business to the largest department store in Brisbane with an enviable arcade frontage. Besides drapery and fine millinery, the firm stocked medicines, perfumes, silks, and home décor, displaying them in window displays which became very popular and attracted crowds from far and wide. The success of McWhirters was not only attributed to their cutting edge in latest styles, but for their great service, quality products and the value they placed on their employees. By 1931, some of 800 McWhirters' employees had been with the firm over 30 years.
James McWhirter died in England in 1925, but the company continued to grow, until they sold out to Myer Emporium in 1955. In 1988, Myer moved to Queen Street in the Brisbane CBD as Fortitude Valley had a declining reputation by then and the business hub was now located in the Queen Street Mall. In 1989, the McWhirters' Store was renamed McWhirters Marketplace, entailing extensive refurbishment, including apartments in the upper levels by 1997. In 1992, McWhirters' building was listed with the Queensland Heritage Register.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Weddings and Engagements
Remy Melia (RAD 06) married Jessica Slogrove on 13 April at Lakelands, Gold Coast. Remy was also a HPE teacher at the Prep School along with coaching rugby and cricket on the Senior campus up until 2017.
Daniel Searle (RAD 09) married Ebony Laing at St. Alban’s Chapel on 2 October 2019. Their 7 month old son, Phoenix Jamie Scarle, was also baptised at the end of their ceremony which was conducted by Father Bryan Gadd.
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Adrian Paul Grazioli (MEL 03) married Kate Elizabeth Hanna on 24 March 2019 at The North Room.
Morgan James Ross (MEL 08) married Georgia-Meg Brink on 20 July 2019 at St. Alban’s Chapel. Morgan says “we had an amazing day filled with love and happiness, and couldn’t have imagined a better location to say our vows in. We had 80+ of our nearest and dearest, from all over the world there to witness our I do’s.
Caleb Brown (MCK 13) has announced his engagement to Ellie Stevens. Caleb and Ellie are currently living in Tauranga, New Zealand.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Baptisms and Births Mila Jade Snodgrass was baptised on the 10 March 2019. Mila is the daughter of Craig Snodgrass (MEL 97) and his wife Jodi. Mila has two older siblings, Caleb who is 5 and Tahlia, 4 years.
Jack Roderick Cronin, son of Candace Cronin (nee James – St. Hilda’s 2002) and Ashley Cronin (KAI 93), was baptised 17 November 2018. Jack’s Godparents are Derek Cronin (KAI 88), Bradley James (TUR 95) and Thomas McKenzie-Forbes. Jack also now has a younger brother, Samuel David Cronin.
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Brendon Jones (MEL 04) and his wife Melissa baptised their firstborn, Hugo Campbell Jones, on 3 August 2019 at St. Albans’ Chapel.
Samuel David Cronin was born 5 May 2019 to Ashley and Candace Cronin. Samuel has an older brother, Jack, born in November 2017.
Thomas James Kemp was baptised in St. Alban’s chapel 31 December 2018. Tom and his older brother, Harry, will one day be 4th generation Kemps in Thorold.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Obituaries FAREWELL DEAR FRIENDS
Peter John Jodrell Bambling (MCK55)
EJW McConnel
Simond Mulder (MCK71)
Mathew Burn (KAI97)
Drayton Nehaya (THO60)
Tony Polkinghorne (KAI73)
James Samuel Dover (DEL39)
Wayne Parfitt (MEL82)
Peter Cole-Adams (THO55)
John MCKenzie Fenwick (MCK65)
John Morgan Kerr (THO45)
Desmond Neill-Ballantine (DEL54)
Vivian Fitzgerald (MCK39)
Richard Skipper (DEL50)
Harold Wright (DEL58)
Edward Greenhalgh (THO60)
Roy Vary (MCK55)
Robert Greenhill (RAD75)
Peter (Spec) Cameron (THO76)
Philip Elwyn Clarke (MCK 66) Passed away 21 June 2019. John was very involved with the OSA being Secretary of the Sydney branch for many years and will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Edgar North Bell (MCK 38) Late of “Kinnoul” Taroom, Queensland. Edgar passed away peacefully on 31 December, 2018 at the Leichhardt Villa, Taroom, aged 98 years. He was farewelled from the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Taroom on the 7th January, 2019 and laid to rest at the Taroom Lawn Cemetery. His two older brothers, Archibald Charles North Bell and James North Bell were also Old Boys.
William Tapley Simmons (MIT 53) Passed away in February this year after a very long illness. Bill was a day boy then a border in Mitre from 1949 – 1953 and loved his time at TSS enormously. He had a long career in the Finance sector and is survived by me his wife of 54 years, three children, nine grandchildren and one great grand child. He had attended many reunions over the years and enjoyed meeting up with friends of long ago and looked forward to receiving your magazine to see what was happening, and was delighted when he read of so many success stories of past students. One of Bill’s sons recalled at his funeral that when they were younger and we were going on holidays to Queensland the usual question was great are we going to Dreamworld, Seaworld, Waterworld to which Bill would reply with a big smile no we going to see MY SCHOOL.
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Lewis Dale Cooper OAM, 14 MAY 1937- 11 APRIL 2019 MCKINLEY HOUSE - 1949-1955
Lewis Cooper (Lew to his mates) was born 14 May 1937 in Mackay, Queensland. Cooper played 34 first-class matches for Queensland between 1959-1968, taking 84 catches and 18 stumpings, and a long career with the University of Queensland Cricket Club in Brisbane.
His dedication and passion for cricket extended far beyond his playing days where he held several administration roles and was instrumental in the development and growth of cricket in Queensland. It is through Lew’s roles as President of Wanderers Queensland and Chairman of Lord's Taverners Queensland that his impact and love of cricket will always be best remembered. His roles and achievements included: • 34 first-class matches for QLD • Appointed QLD Cricket Association Secretaryin 1969 • President of QLD Primary Schools Cricket • President of the Wanderers QLD Club • QLD Cricketers Club Manager / Secretary • Lord’s Taverners QLD Chairman • Presented with a Service to Sport at the 2009 QLD Sport Awards
• Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2011 for Services to Cricket • Awarded QLD Cricket Life Membership in 2014 • QLD Veterans Cricket's first Life Member in 2019. Lew was just as passionate about TSS and the OSA, organising many Old Boy get-togethers and forming the “Beagle Boys” who still lunch at the Caxton Hotel every July. He will be sorely missed this year, but a seat at the table will always be kept open for him. His Beagle Boy mates will never forget his presence at the luncheons. During Lew’s TSS years he was a McKinley House official, in the 1st XV, the 1st X1 and part of the Athletics team, a natural sportsman and all round great fellow. Lew had been unwell during the past few years and as you would expect, he batted on until he could run no more, stumped for 81. Lew, you were not only a champion at your sport, you were a champion Fellow, Father, Friend and Old Boy Vale, you will be missed.
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IAN MARWEDEL MCKINLEY HOUSE - 1955
I can still see my old red-headed mate Lew in 1955 – when together we attended the senior class at TSS now known as Year 12 I believe. My future led me to the Merino pastoral industry but Lew had made up his mind that cricket was the way to go for him and how right he was. Batting was not his greatest asset at the time but he would try wicket keeping and from then on there was no stopping him. Then began intensive training sessions week in week out with “Ernie” (my nickname) and others hurling cricket balls at an old wooden ‘slips machine’ down on the oval with Lew diving left, right and centre and taking occasional ‘blinders’. A few slats were missing from the old machine so Lew got some balls that kept low which sharpened him up a bit! Thanks a lot Lew for the arthritis in my right shoulder now old mate! He was fly half for the 1st XV and a real Kamikaze sort of bloke who took no prisoners. Lew fought Ian (Dim) Cameron for school boxing champion. Ian was a Toowoomba Prep boy and they
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could all fight a bit so poor old Lew got a real ‘hiding’. Nevertheless, he was back looking for volunteers next day at the old ‘slips machine’ with one good eye and the other not so! Lew was foundation member of the TSS Old Boys ‘Beagle Boys’. A group of similar aged blokes from the 1950’s who met and travelled playing golf and sharing their stories. As they grew older he determined they meet regularly at the Caxton Hotel in Brisbane. Let us hope the declining numbers and no longer Lew’s leadership does not detract from this function but we still have our 1955 school captain Bert Cockerill to ‘pull the whip’ on those of us still on the planet. Ken Mander Jones (DEL 55), School Councilor Garry Ferguson and I attended Lew’s testimonial at the Queensland Cricketers Club recently. Lew was unwell but the accolades he received were a tribute to an old TSS boy and we were fortunate to have known him. No doubt his OAM honour was due in part to his long standing Wanderers cricket teams that toured statewide and hopefully those involved will give this their best endeavors. “Lew Cooper you were the best”.
JOHN BUCHANAN THOROLD HOUSE 1970
While 'Durrie' Melville, Don Taylor, Ron Pearson and Bill King laid all the right foundations for me to pursue my dreams as a cricketer, it was not until I came under the influence and 'in-game' coaching of Lewis Cooper that my game began to flourish. With his famous calls of 'bowled son!' reverberating around the grounds, virtually after every ball that was bowled exactly where he believed it should be, did I learn the meaning of 'line & length', being patient as a bowler, having a plan and being able to execute it. Lew didn't engage in much chat pre-game as he would generally arrive with a small bundle of gear, plonk himself down in a corner, exhausted from his work for Queensland Cricket and his passion, The Cricketers Club, and wait expectantly for the news we were batting, so that he could remain in the sheds, and catch up on some peace and quiet. If we were bowling, he would strap himself together, gloves on, take a couple of throws on the way out to the centre, then proceed to give a faultless display behind the stumps for as long as it took to finish an opposition or the day. He was a different person out in the centre. To some degree the same as he was at work - directing, ordering, plenty of banter, having a laugh, telling a story, remembering events past. But all the while, maintaining an incredibly high level of personal performance, and expecting nothing less from teammates. As a young cricketer it was always good, one might say essential, to spend an hour or two post-game, back in the Clubhouse listening to older teammates and opposition sharing stories of matches, contests, special cricketers - and there were none better than Lew. He was my barometer on how I was going. What I needed to do to make a Queensland team. Never complicated. As I was an inswing bowler, it was always bowl outside the off stump, and have the batsman play you on the front foot. As a batsman, it was always play straight, in the "V", and play to your strengths. In the field, it was stay alert, move to the ball and get it back as quickly and accurately to Lew.
But beyond being the old sage or coach on the field, Lew looked after a few of us who were young aspiring cricketers, who were studying at Uni and looking for work to be able to pay for rent, food, car and playing sport. The Cricketers' Club was the perfect environment for us as we learnt the hospitality trade from the bottom. We were in the cellars with kegs and big Johnny his loyal Mr Fixit and do everything outside of the members areas. We would then spend some days behind and serving from the bars upstairs. And if he thought we could hold a conversation with his patrons, of whom there were many in those days (mid to late 70's), and a veritable "Who's Who" in Brisbane and Queensland, we would graduate to the restaurant where we learnt a little about wine, beer (not from drinking but serving) and customer service. Initially, the restaurant was nerve wracking as there were plenty of dignitaries and Brisbane powerbrokers of the time, all doing business over long lunches, enjoying very good food and drink, with Lew generally in attendance sitting as mine host at various tables, observing his staff and their customer service, and not being backwards in calling any of us over to do some on the spot coaching, if he felt we were not up to standard. It seems to me, looking back on my days at TSS, and then during my time at Uni CC, it was what people like Lew did for our generation. My father would always organise me a Christmas holiday job (shovelling concrete into moulds at a concrete company in Burleigh, to sorting bread on the Marabell's bakery conveyer belts, to packing and then delivering goods on the trucks at Woods Transport, to cleaning the smelly 10 gallon milk containers at Gold Coast Dairy). And similar to my Dad, Lew believed in young people, giving them 'a go', teach them on the job, give them new life experiences, and see whether or not they could do it. As a young cricketer, and as a young person having moved away from home to the 'big smoke' of Brisbane, I was so lucky that a person of the calibre of Lew Cooper came into my life. He certainly was not perfect, but he was a 'rough diamond' whose values and influences are still very much a part of who I am today. R.I.P Lew.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alan Radcliffe
PASSED AWAY 6 JUNE 2019 AT 97 YRS OF AGE THOROLD HOUSE 1939
As one our oldest Old Boys and, indeed, one of our oldest teachers, Alan Radcliffe’s life is deeply etched into TSS history. Alan’s long involvement with TSS represents a record few can equal. It’s also an involvement with Queensland’s history that few can equal transitioning from our earliest pioneering days to today’s modern society.
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The son of the School’s fourth Headmaster, John Norman Radcliffe, (MCK 50), the Radcliffe family stamp has been indelibly left on TSS in so many different ways. Fittingly, one of them is Radcliffe House, a day House founded in 1975 in his honour just two years before his retirement. One could say this was quite an achievement for a young man who never completed his Junior and Senior examinations, said he was hopeless at ball games but had some very special talents that were to reveal themselves all in good time. Born in Brisbane in 1921, one of three children to John, a Rhodes Scholar, and Evelyn (nee Raymond whose father A J Raymond was a long-standing member of Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Mayor in 1912), Alan moved to Southport with his parents the following year where they settled in Radford Street near TSS. It was here as a child that he used to watch hawks swoop down on to the waters of the Nerang River, then catch the wind thermals as they rose high into the sky again. This developed his long lasting love affair with the water and sky. Both (the flying and water) were later to play a big part in Alan’s life and set in motion his dream to fly, sail and fish. “As a child I made model airplanes and sailed on the Nerang River in a 9’ canoe we had stored in a boatshed in Radford Street,” said Alan. One has to remember the land demographic of the Nerang River was very different in those days compared to today with Pong Creek playing a pivotal role in leisure activities of TSS’ earliest students. Education wasn’t high on Alan’s agenda in those days although he was encouraged to attend TSS as one of only a handful of boarders in 1927. His sister, Denise, who was 10 years his junior, attended St Hilda’s School. After a year at TSS, Alan attended Southport State School until he was 13 years old and returned to TSS to complete his scholarship examination under the headmastership of Cecil Pearce. Today he fondly remembers fellow students such as Ivor Cribb. Alan’s father was a strong advocate for education (holding a Diploma of Education of Oxford through a Rhodes Scholarship in 1914 and an MA from Queensland University; his grandfather being the Chief Inspector of Schools in Queensland) and was a Senior Master at TSS from 1923 before his appointment as Headmaster. In 1914 Alan’s father interrupted his Oxford studies to join the Royal Artillery and in France rose to the rank of Captain and won the Military Cross. John Radcliffe was to return again to Oxford in 1937 at the invitation of the Rhodes Trust. He also was a keen golfer and tennis player scooping many championships (State and Open Australian) in both sports. Of note: It was during John Radcliffe’s headmastership that he reluctantly agreed for TSS to be used as an American field hospital (153rd Station Hospital) for infectious patients arriving from New Guinea. At the time this cause great disruption to school life.
Alan’s love of the water is reflected in his being the swimming champion in both the Preparatory and Senior schools and playing breakaway on the wing in 1938 when TSS won the premiership. The year before, Alan had attended St Edward’s School in Oxford while his father was at Oxford University. Despite somehow skipping both his Junior and Senior examinations, this was not detrimental to Alan’s career. After leaving TSS, he said he spent 18 months ‘marking time’ with the Queensland National Bank before seizing the opportunity to join the RAF in 1941 and follow his dream of flying. He spent three months ground training in Sydney then another three months flying Tiger Moths.
He was posted to Ontario, Canada, with the RAF where he trained flying the dual-seat Harvard and Yale low wing trainers (he came third out of 60 in his course). Now there was no stopping Alan. He sailed to England and was soon flying Hurricane fighters from Usworth Airfield, near Newcastle. It was a steep learning curve for Alan as these fighters only had one seat so you were given the keys and then you were on your own. Alan joined the specialist 6 Squadron RAF, the same squadron that is still operational today and whose Harriers were involved in the Falklands conflict. Alan’s piloting skills during the war were to take him to many destinations, including flying the Tankbuster Hurricane 2D in North Africa’s Western Desert regions where he pitted his skills against German tanks. To ensure bombing shells were armour piercing, the Hurricanes operated and fired their twin cannons at an altitude of six metres. The squadron motto was, we fly lower than you land; and the squadron always advanced across Africa, never retreating in the time Radcliffe served with it.
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Have you connected with us yet? Stay up-to-date with all that is happening with the OSA and the wider School community!
OSA Online Community www.tssoldboys.com.au
Facebook - Old Southportonians’ Association www.facebook.com/tssoldboys/
LinkedIn Persona – OSA Connect www.linkedin.com/in/osaconnect LinkedIn Group - Old Southportonians' Association (OSA) www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=2462089
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